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Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder -- Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

The hallmark of generalized anxiety disorder is excessive, out-of-control worrying about everyday things. Symptoms include:

  • Persistent fear, sometimes without any obvious cause, that is present everyday
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Muscle tension; muscle aches
  • Diarrhea
  • Eating too little or too much
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Loss of sex drive

For school-age children, symptoms include:

Recommended Related to Anxiety Panic

Adult Panic Anxiety Syndrome

Important It is possible that the main title of the report Adult Panic Anxiety Syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Read the Adult Panic Anxiety Syndrome article > >

  • Fear of being away from the family
  • Refusal to go to school
  • Fear of strangers
  • Fear of falling asleep or having recurrent nightmares
  • Unnecessary worry

 

Call Your Doctor About Anxiety If:

  • Your anxiety seems irrational or more extreme than the situation warrants.
  • Your anxiety interferes with your work or your social life.
  • Low-level anxiety persists for many weeks.
  • Your symptoms suddenly become severe or uncontrollable. You may be experiencing a panic attack. Anxiety is accompanied by weight loss and bulging of the eyes; you may have thyroid problems.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Donna D. Yi, MD on October 27, 2010
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